Top airport hotels offering unbeatable runway views

Airports are captivating places, but with the rush of check-in, security, and boarding, we rarely get to truly take them in as we begin our journeys.

On your next flight, you could witness a rare airport view from the comfort of your room if you opt to stay at one of these airport hotels. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts, it's an exclusive glimpse into the world of takeoffs and landings.

Additionally, most major hotel chains have a presence at key airports, offering both luxury and convenience in one package.

CitizenM Amsterdam Schiphol

The CitizenM hotel brand started here, near the terminal at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. Known for its stylish décor and cutting-edge amenities like self-check-in kiosks, cozy living areas, and rooms controlled by touchscreens, it’s designed with the modern traveler in mind.

The rooms are small yet practical, featuring ample storage, a rain shower, and a spacious bed.

Lifting the blinds unveils a dynamic view of aircraft stationed at the gates, with others taxiing by for takeoff—an ever-evolving scene that unfolds day and night.

If you're catching a flight or seeking dining options, the terminal is just a short stroll from the hotel. Amsterdam city center is only a 15-minute train ride away.

From the terminal: A five-minute walk

CitizenM Amsterdam Schiphol, Jan Plezierweg 2, 1118 BB Schiphol, Netherlands; +31 20 811 7080

Sheraton Gateway Toronto Pearson

One of the top views at Toronto's primary airport can be found from the Sheraton Gateway hotel, located above Terminal 3. Accessible via a walkway, this chic hotel offers eight floors, with rooms on the upper levels providing a sweeping panoramic view of planes from Air Canada, WestJet, and other major airlines as they pass by.

Staying on the Club Floor at the Sheraton gives guests exclusive access to a lounge offering snacks, Starbucks coffee, and a selection of drinks available 24/7 – perfect for enjoying late-night views from the window.

From the terminal: Located outside Terminal 3; just a five-minute walk from Terminal 1

Sheraton Gateway Toronto Pearson, Terminal 3, Toronto Pearson Airport, ON, L5P 1C4; +1 905 672 7000

Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon

Miami is one of the most vibrant airports in America. Known as a key gateway to South America and the Caribbean, as well as a major hub for American Airlines, it’s always buzzing with activity and an array of fascinating aircraft coming and going.

Located just south of the airport, the Hilton Miami Airport overlooks the intersection of two major runways. Guests who book an executive double room on a higher floor are in for a treat, with spacious balconies perfect for relaxing and stunning panoramic views of planes passing by at close range. Forget the beach—this is Miami's top view.

From the terminal: Complimentary shuttle service available

Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon, 5101 Blue Lagoon Dr, Miami, FL 33126; +1 305-262-1000

Hampton by Hilton London Stansted

A recent addition to the expanding London Stansted airport, located to the north of the capital, is the Hampton by Hilton hotel. It’s just a short stroll from both the terminal and the railway station.

The lobby welcomes guests with an aviation-inspired theme, featuring large propellers on the walls and artwork celebrating flight. The spacious open-plan restaurant and lounge provide a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a meal, or grab breakfast before your flight.

Rooms facing the airport offer great views, with two of the terminal’s three piers stretching beneath you and the runway just beyond.

Stansted is particularly known as a hub for Ryanair, with its planes arriving and departing in a constant flow. At night, you’ll appreciate the triple-glazed windows that block out the noise of heavy freighters passing by into the early hours.

From the terminal: Just a two-minute walk

Hampton by Hilton London Stansted, Bassingbourn Rd, Stansted CM24 1QW; +44 1279 701101

Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson

The Renaissance Concourse at Atlanta is widely regarded as the best airport hotel, beloved by aviation fans who come here to watch the action at the world’s busiest airport.

Hartsfield Jackson is a massive airport with six runways and constant activity. This stylish hotel is located on the northern edge, where rooms with balconies offer unbeatable views of Delta planes coming and going in a steady stream.

Easily accessible from the airport, this hotel is also conveniently connected to the highway network, providing quick access to Atlanta and beyond.

From the terminal: Complimentary shuttle service provided

Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, One Hartsfield Center Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30354; +1 404-209-9999

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort St Maarten

St Maarten, the island that endured significant damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017, saw Princess Juliana Airport and its famous Maho Beach, along with many resort hotels, working hard to rebuild and recover.

The Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is set to reopen for the 2018/19 winter season, promising to be 'stronger and brand new.' It will retain its popular selection of bars, restaurants, and pools, along with breathtaking balcony views of massive airliners flying low over the bay, just above beachgoers, before landing.

From the terminal: A five-minute drive

Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, 1 Rhine Road, Saint Maarten; +1 800-766-3782

Felix Hotel Sydney

One of the more refined hotels on our list, recently opened behind the domestic terminal at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport.

Guests checking in to one of the 150 rooms are greeted by the Penthouse on the top floor, where hanging chairs by the windows offer a comfortable spot to gaze out at the runways and taxiways. A 24-hour food shop, cocktail bar, and self-service laundry are also available for guests.

On the terrace, you’ll discover Sydney’s only rooftop cinema.

But let's focus on the rooms: 70 of them overlook the airport action, offering cozy beds and all the amenities you'd expect from this boutique hotel.

From the terminal: Just a five-minute walk

Felix Hotel Sydney, 121 Baxter Road, Mascot, 2020 NSW, Australia; +61 2 8303 8888

BLOC Hotel London Gatwick

A 1960s-era administrative block at an airport terminal might not seem like the ideal place to stay at first glance. But if you give the BLOC Hotel at London Gatwick a chance, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Accessible through a discreet entrance inside the South Terminal, after taking the elevator to your assigned floor, you’ll find a stylish, high-spec room blending cutting-edge technology and comfort—exactly what today’s travelers crave.

Beyond the modern comforts, the view is the next striking feature. Below you lies the sprawling network of piers and terminals at the world’s busiest single-runway airport, where the activity never ceases.

From your vantage point, you’ll feel like an air traffic controller, guiding the flow of aircraft and marveling at the brief moments between departures and landings.

From the terminal: Located inside the South Terminal; take the shuttle from the North Terminal

BLOC Hotel London Gatwick, South Terminal, Gatwick RH6 0NN; +44 20 3051 0101

Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket

Phuket, one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations, draws visitors from across the globe for its beaches, sun, and vibrant local culture. Given its size, the island’s airport, Phuket International, occupies a large portion of the northern part of the island.

Forget about the beach at the end of the runway. The vast Grand West Sands Resort, located along the northern edge of the airport, is an ideal family getaway, offering a wide range of amenities to enjoy.

Request a room in Block 6, and not only will you have access to excellent facilities, but you’ll also be treated to a sweeping view of the airport and its runway. What could be better?

From the terminal: Airport shuttle service (additional fee applies)

Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket, 65 Moo 4, Mai Khao Soi 4, Phuket 83110 Thailand; +66 76 372 000

Crowne Plaza Singapore Changi

Changi Airport has held the title of the world's best airport for five consecutive years. With facilities like the Crowne Plaza hotel integrated into its terminals, it's easy to see why.

As one of the most luxurious airport hotels, you'll enjoy access to spas, restaurants, a gym, and an outdoor courtyard featuring a rainforest-themed swimming pool.

Rooms on the top three floors offer a prime view of the bustling airport and one of its two runways. Soon, you'll be able to watch Singapore Airlines' new daily non-stop flight to New York take off, setting the stage for the world’s longest flight.

From the terminal: You're already there

Crowne Plaza Singapore Changi, 75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819664; +65 6823 5300

Premier Inn Dubai Airport

Dubai offers every type of hotel imaginable, including some stunning resorts. Among its newest options is the Premier Inn chain, located just behind Terminals 1 and 3 of Dubai International Airport.

Premier Inn’s rooms are standard across all locations, providing comfortable beds and modern amenities. However, here in the sunny climate, guests can enjoy a rooftop pool terrace and a view of the world’s busiest international airport just over the wall.

Nearby, you'll spot airliners parked at the terminal, waiting for passengers to board, while massive Emirates Airbus A380s take off in a continuous stream, heading to destinations across the globe.

From the terminal: Complimentary shuttle

Premier Inn Dubai Airport, Opposite Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates; +971 4 260 4000

Prodigy Hotel Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont

Rio de Janeiro's downtown airport is nestled on a small peninsula in Guanabara Bay, with two short runways handling a mix of domestic flights and private jets.

Connected directly to the terminal, which offers a variety of dining options, the Prodigy Hotel is a modern property with rooms that face the runway.

The hotel's rooftop features a serene pool area with sunbeds, shaded spots, and panoramic views of the airport, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

From the terminal: You're already there

Prodigy Hotel Santos Dumont Airport, Av. Almirante Silvio de Noronha 365, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20021-010 Brazil; +55 (21) 3478-4100

Hilton Chicago O'Hare

Chicago O'Hare is a vast and intricate airport, with an extensive spread of runways and terminals. For a better sense of the layout, consider staying at the Hilton Hotel located above Terminal 2, right at the center of the action.

You can take a chance and request an even-numbered room for an airport-facing view, or secure one by paying extra when you book for a guaranteed view.

Either way, you'll be treated to a stunning view of planes moving in and out of the American Airlines gates, with a sweeping panorama of runways and taxiways stretching beyond. Its convenient location near the terminals makes it an ideal choice if you're flying through O'Hare.

From the terminal: Easily accessible from Terminals 1, 2, and 3; free shuttle service available from the International Terminal.

Hilton Chicago O'Hare, 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666; +1 773-686-8000

If you have some downtime during your visit to Chicago, consider exploring the vibrant South Side, where you can find the renowned Robie House located on the University of Chicago's Hyde Park campus.